For over thirty years, self-portraiture has been a vital part of my multimedia art practice. I have created many works in this ongoing series, with each one serving as a reflection of identity, transformation, and belonging. Often, these self-portraits are the only remaining evidence of performance pieces—some rooted in body art, others as intimate, one-time performances. These photographs preserve those fleeting moments, extending their reach beyond their original context.

In several of these works, my face is deliberately obscured or masked, shifting the focus beyond personal identity and inviting the viewer to see themselves within the work. This approach expands the conversation, exploring universal themes of transformation, memory, and connection.

A recurring element in these portraits is my choice of attire: a white Shabbat shirt and black pants. More than a practical uniform, it carries symbolic weight, embodying the sense of purpose and reverence I bring to my creative process. This ritualistic element infuses each piece with intent, grounding them in a tradition of meaning-making.

The techniques and materials I use vary as widely as the themes I explore, reflecting an ongoing search for the most resonant form of expression. While many of these works draw upon Jewish imagery and tradition, the emotions they evoke—questions of belonging, identity, loss, and transformation—speak across cultural boundaries.

One of my most meaningful pieces is With Without, and here’s a glimpse into its story.

Orthodox Jewish men wear a Kippah (head covering) to symbolically recognize God’s presence above. Born into this tradition, I’ve spent my life covering my head, even to the point of experiencing an undocumented “Ghost Kippah Syndrome” , the sensation of its presence even when it’s absent. In this self-portrait, I explore the tension between my identity with and without this sacred covering, questioning what is lost or gained in its absence.The exploration of identity through the Kippah—an item of religious significance—goes beyond its Jewish context. Many people can relate to the tension between cultural or religious symbols and their personal identity. Whether it’s through a headscarf, a crucifix, or other visible symbols, many individuals grapple with how their cultural or religious symbols shape how they are seen by others and how they see themselves.

With Without-2012